Local runners react to Boston Marathon explosions

John Twitty of Andalusia, in the red shirt, at mile 16 of the marathon

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

111 runners from Alabama ran in the Boston Marathon, and all of those from Central and South Alabama are safe.

Dr. John Barganier had finished the 26.2 mile run an hour before the blasts. His hotel, the Lenox was directly across the street from the finish line of the marathon.

"We heard it and we ran outside and we unfortunately saw people laying in the street and some other images that aren't real pleasant to see," he said.

John Twitty, from Andalusia, had finished the race just two minutes before the first blast.

"I was possibly a block further down from the finish, because you're quickly ushered to keep on walking across the finish line," Twitty said. "We were just there, but it didn't take a little less for a minute for the police and everyone else involved to send us back up the street."

Dr. Bargainier was part of a group of runners from Montgomery Multisport. It was his first time running the Boston Marathon, as it was for Kaitlin Meisler.

"The feeling of crossing the finish line and having thousands of complete strangers cheering for you and everybody surrounding you, just this giant feeling of goodwill," Meisler said. "And then have this tragic terrible thing happen right after, it's just wrong in so many ways."

The explosions disrupted travel and communications in Boston, making it difficult for the runners to reach loved ones. They were eventually able to get word to them and others that they were unharmed.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office said a man who was charged with murder and other offenses following a deadly shooting and a two-county chase on Monday also tried, unsuccessfully, to run from deputies at the Spartanburg County Detention Center.

The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office said a man who was charged with murder and other offenses following a deadly shooting and a two-county chase on Monday also tried, unsuccessfully, to run from deputies at the Spartanburg County Detention Center.

Richardson's statement came hours after an early-morning tweet from the President that stated, "The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!"

Richardson's statement came hours after an early-morning tweet from the President that stated, "The issue of kneeling has nothing to do with race. It is about respect for our Country, Flag and National Anthem. NFL must respect this!"

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle and former Army Ranger Alejandro Villanueva (78) stands outside the tunnel alone during the national anthem before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be on the field during the national anthem for next weekend's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

SLIDESHOW

Four students from Greenville County competed in the Euphoria Healthy Lunchtime Throwdown on Sunday. The winner will have their recipe on the Greenville County Schools lunch menu and served to 76,000 students once a month.

Four students from Greenville County competed in the Euphoria Healthy Lunchtime Throwdown on Sunday. The winner will have their recipe on the Greenville County Schools lunch menu and served to 76,000 students once a month.